Jarrett-Palmer "Lightning" Exp

Jarrett-Palmer "Lightning" Express Set

Upon opening of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, travel across the United States was reduced from months to about ten days. A vast improvement, the trip still required multiple railroads and connections. In 1876, the firm of Jarrett and Palmer, who represented the Booth Theater in New York, came up with a novel marketing event that would push the limits of rail travel and excited communities from coast to coast. Booking a performance in San Francisco just days after one in New York, their acting troop would need to cross the entire breadth of the continent in just four days. The firm convinced the five cooperating railroads to go along, as the event would be a tremendous advertisement for them, and the Jarrett-Palmer Transcontinental Express departed Jersey City on the Pennsylvania Railroad June 1. The three car train carried the actors and their sets, paid guests, railroad executives, reporters, the day's printing of the New York Herald, and mail and express from the Post Office and Wells Fargo. Five railroads, 83 hours and 39 minutes later, the train arrived at the Central Pacific pier in Oakland - twelve hours ahead of schedule! They performed to a sold out audience the next day. Along the way, the train's journey became a theatrical experience of its own. Tracks were cleared, switches spiked and everything timed out to make a clear path for the "Lighting Express" but men and machine were tested to their limits. There are accounts of a brakeman oiling an overheating bearing from the steps of a passenger car as the train kept rolling. A hobo clung to the roof of the train at nearly mile a minute speeds west of Cheyenne. A funeral in Nevada was interrupted when the train passed through early with the entire congregation rushing from the church to watch it speed by. Henry Small was the engineer for most of the final 875 miles across the Central Pacific which had decided to make the experiment a bit of an endurance test for the locomotive. His locomotive "Black Fox" had a larger tender to cover more ground. He and the entire crew were presented with new suits by the promoters in recognition of their service. This train was more than a publicity stunt or an exciting footnote in American railroad history. It helped pave the way for further operational progress and proved to the country what could be done. At the very least, on it's 150th anniversary, a model of this fantastic voyage is long overdue! Lionel's new set captures the look of the train at the very end of its run. Lead by Central Pacific no. 149, the Black Fox, the three car train includes a Central Pacific coach (several were taken on and off to add extra braking power after the Pullman's air brakes failed!), Pennsylvania combine No. 202 which carried baggage, supplies and railroad travelers, and of course the Pullman "Marlborough" which transported the promoters, three-person cast and other notables. The locomotive features several new details to best match the original, including an all new tender. The train was not equipped with knuckle couplers. both link and pin and drawbar couplers are included so that the train can operate on O54 curves or look proper when displayed stationary. Sounds are included in the combine and cars feature detailed illuminated interiors. So clear the tracks! The Lightning Express is coming!

Features:
LEGACY Control w/ 4 Digit Addressing Bluetooth® control
Brass and Die-cast construction
LEGACY RailSounds
Maintenance free motor
Tethered drawbar to tender for additional electrical pick ups
Link and pin coupler on tender (convertible to scale knuckle coupler if desired - coupler not included)
Illuminated LED headlight
PASSENGER CARS:
Die-cast trucks
Drawbar couplers
Detailed interiors
Product Specifications:
Gauge: O Gauge icon
Dimensions: Length: Approx 66"
Minimum Curve: O42 icon
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known in the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.Ca.gov.